I’m sorry, but I have to divide Jake’s Sunday Post assignment for this week into two sections: animate, and inanimate, and, because I seem incapable of deciding these days, my featured photograph will have its antithesis, as a means of expressing the all-encompassing breadth of “nature”.
Animate: the living aspect of nature.
My selection is a little obvious, given my Sri Lanka connection, of course, but what could be the antithesis of Elephas Maximus Maximus but a gorgeous butterfly?
I hope you enjoy my pictures of two of natures untold marvels.
Tickles, laughing …
Some years back I brought my (then) 97-year-old mother to see “my” Sri Lanka. She was determined not to like it, but her resolution finally failed her after we spent an afternoon watching a herd of elephants which had gathered in the grassy crater of the Mineriya Tank near Polonnaruwa. Spellbound, we sat silent and unmoving – with only the flimsy chassis of the old jeep for ‘protection’ – as the herd socialised over the business of eating and bathing, babies suckled, and youngsters played. It was only the arrival of a lone male which caused the mothers to cast a glance at these exuberant teenagers, who cavorted like two gargantuan puppies on the grass and into water with total disregard for us (puny and uninteresting creatures).
Apart from the miraculous spectre of a laughing elephant, I like this photograph because it shows how little there is between us.
Like frogs, butterflies are an indication of the health of the environment. For centuries, Sri Lanka was renowned for its butterflies, but even here in paradise chemical insecticides have been introduced as a means of increasing production and our butterfly population is becoming more reclusive.
The Wanderlust Gene 
I have taken an adventure with your words. I enjoyed this so much. It was perfect for the challenge and so much more than simply photo’s. The clarity of both images is outstanding. Enjoyed this very much.
Isadora
I’m beaming all over:), because I too find images alone to be unengaging – unless one is a real master and presenting a work of art which tells its own story. But perhaps that’s the point of the challenge? I’ll stick to my way, because for me it’s usually the words that are primary – the photos just set the context, or even just pretty the page up a bit:)
I have never been able to put a photo up without something to go with it. I agree with you. I enjoyed visiting your blog this morning. When I get back from vacation Iwill have to sign up for updates and visit once again. Thanks for allowing me to read and see your lovely blog.
Namaste ….
Have a great holiday; I’ll look forward to seeing you when you get back:)
What a beautiful butterfly. It is sad that our polluting ways are causing us to see less of them.
Sad? It makes me mad … We seem to be so careless and clumsy, as a species. Aiyo, what to do?:)
A stunning and fun photo of the elephant and the butterfly. Brings adventure and excitement to mind. Thanks.
Oh, thank you! Yes, adventure and excitement. I’m a fortunate woman – have had more than my fair share of those things, if I’m to be truthful. But I’m grateful for every ounce of it …:)
Great choice of subjects for this post 🙂
Glad you enjoyed them. Elephants are a no-brainer for me – one of my absolute passions – and I couldn’t, in my mind come up with just one image to say everything I mean. In fact, it’s stirred the pot a bit, I think I feel a bit of a rant coming on:)
I love the elephants
Aren”t they just ripe for stardom? Glad you liked them too:)
Great photos, love the detail.
The smile?
Not as cute as the elephant’s but here it is 😀
Ah Ha:)
I am very alarmed about the pesticides being used as well as the bio-altered foods that we are eating. Man is going to destroy his own environment if he doesn’t quit trying to play God. I find myself posting articles warning of the threats Monsanto is posing on the world, with their bio-technological programs. They are poisoning the very soil our food grows in with their pesticides.
It great that your mother enjoy Sri Lanka despite her attempted effort not to. Some places can’t help but be enjoyed, it appears. I’m sure the elephants put on quite a show in their natural habitat. You got a great photo of them.
Did you see Mothergrogan’s http://mothergrogan.wordpress.com/
Journey post this morning? I think we’re on the same page about what we’re doing to our planet – just check out my comments to MG so I don’t have to type it out again,l be a dear?:)
Oh, I hit the reply button before saying thanks, and smiling cause you enjoyed the elies:)
Nice photographs… 🙂
Thanks Kasturika (what a lovely name:))
I’m in an elephant phase right now, your images are a loving tribute to this wonderful animal. Thanks for dropping by and leaving your encouraging comments on my blog. Happy Easter and a year of wandering!
Best wishes and happy travels to you too (you do have some trips planned I hope – if I can’t be going places, ofttimes a shabnamphoto might be an acceptable substitute:))
It’s true, Elephants are Charmers… and good on them for it too.
Who wouldn’t melt in their gentle presence , they are amazingly beautiful as well.
We went years ago to Singapore Zoo and were there on the dot when it opened in the morning and wasn’t yet busy.
We got to feed the elephants almost by ourselves and it was magical… they are even more beautiful close up that I imagined. We could stand and stroke their skin, look into their eyes they were so close.
That’s amazing, isn’t it? I can never get over the beauty of their eyelashes, or the sparsity of the hairs sticking up on their heads:) Glad you dropped by …